Designer Nicole Miller Joins Forces with Indego Africa

Celebrated runway designer Nicole Miller partners with the nonprofit Indego Africa to launch a colorful and exclusive line of fair-trade shorts and sarongs to complement their already existing line of textile bangles and woven bracelets. Indego Africa is an innovative social enterprise that partners with more than 250 women artisans in Rwanda, Africa on a fair trade basis to help them build relationships with and fill orders for high-end retailers.

The bright sarongs and colorful printed shorts are created with five different, vivid African fabrics that were hand selected from the markets in Rwanda. The original partnership began in September 2010 when Miller collaborated with Indego Africa on the bracelet design. In May 2011, The Fair Trade Federation awarded Indego Africa the 2011 award for “Excellence in Product Design” for the design of the textile bangles and woven bracelets. Each Textile Bangle is wrapped with vibrant African fabrics, and each Woven Bracelet is hand-stitched with needles and sisal fibers using traditional Rwandan techniques. The dyes and elements used to create the bracelets are natural and non-toxic for the women.

This innovative joint venture has thus expanded into a line of colorful sarongs and shorts, just in time for the summer season. “I am so proud to have had the opportunity to partner with such an inspiring organization that empowers African women and to help spread the message of Indego Africa. I’ve always loved the vibrancy and hand-crafted feel of African prints and textiles. Working with different fabrics and prints is a big part of what I do. With my collections, we use digital technology and graphics to create prints so using African textiles was a nice departure from that. I think people like wearing things that feel organic and not like they’re produced in a factory somewhere” says Nicole Miller.

You can check out these, and other items from the Nicole Miller Indego Africa collection on NicoleMiller.com.

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Maplewoodstock Memories

On Saturday I participated in my first fair, Maplewoodstock, showcasing my own handmade items.  I sold fabric bundles, clothing, accessories, handmade hair accessories, jewelry, chevron bracelets and embroidery hoop art.  I must say that for my first event it was an excitingly overwhelming learning experience. I would love to do it again at a different venue and on a larger scale.

Although the set up process is grueling, I enjoyed seeing all of my items laid out beautifully and seeing things come together on a whim.  The wind was a bit mean to my displays, so earrings ended up on the brim of a Mason jar, my repurposed frame was tied to a bar, and embroidery hoops were hanging from chains and ropes.

If you weren't able to make it out to Maplewoodstock, or if you wanted to grab something, but didn't get the chance,no worries.  Items are gradually being posted on my Storenvy and etsy store pages.  Please feel free to check them out so you can get a hold of custom made pieces.  And if you're on facebook, you can Like my page so you can have easy access to my items without having to leave the social media site.

 

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Join Me at Maplewoodstock

Saturday, July 9th from 12pm-9pm, I will be at Maplewoodstock.  Myself, along with my friend Jewels from bubblegumponys, will be selling hand-made items (jewelry, crayons, notebooks), dyed totes, embroidery hoop art, hair accessories, vintage/gently worn apparel, and more.  Held at Memorial Park (by the Maplewood train station) you can check out other vendors, listen to live music and dive into some great food.  Hope to see you at the the Ramona's + Jewels' booth!!!

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Thrifty: "Breakfast at Tiffany's" LP

For those who know me well, they are aware of my two favorite celebs-- Michael Jackson and Audrey Hepburn. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is one of my top three favorite movies and was brought into my life during a very trying time. I watched it everyday for a week because it gave me comfort and escapism--something that's hard to come across in movies today.

About a month ago I borrowed a first edition copy of the book from my local library and fell in love with Truman Capote's original words. After reading it I had put my feelings into the world and stated that I needed to find the album. I already own the CD, but nothing beats an original. Lucky for me, my wish was granted yesterday during a swift vinyl search at the thrift store. The record was about fourth one in from the front and when I saw Audrey's face and her chin rested upon her palm, I squealed with excitement.

It seems that around the fourth of July, I tend to find an album that I was wishing to find (like last year when I found Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" for .50 cents in great condition).

So, as I bring this post to an end, remember that if you put your wishes out there, and with a pure heart, your wish may just come true. And sometimes, it may only cost .50 cents.

(The image in this post shows the album along with a poster I have framed above my bed.)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Download My First Co-Hosting Gig at WRNU

Last week Tuesday, I co-hosted on the Rutgers-Newark hip-hop and R&B radio show, The Hot Spot  with Luis, aka Young Pap.  He wanted a female voice to join the show, so I decided to tag along.  So you know what that means, I'll be covering the latest gossip, style trends, TV recaps and more.  Although I was nervous to be a part of the WRNU team, it turned out to be very fun experience.  And all of the positive feedback from the listeners was (and is) greatly appreciated.

By clicking the image above (it's the actual board at the station and my mic) you will be directed to mediafire.com where you can download the show.  The 3-hour-show starts off with some great hip-hop and R&B summer music, the second hour is strictly dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson, and the last hour showcases new music from independent artists within the Jersey area.

Tomorrow night I'll be back at the station to co-host the Hot Spot from 7-10pm and you can listen online or on your mobile phone.

Thanks for the support!!!

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Reminisce: Michael Jackson "Off the Wall (Medley)" 1996

I will never forget.

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Versace Collaborates with H&M

Just in case you haven't heard about the new leather, gold and Rock 'n' Roll that Versace is about to bring to H&M!

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New Fav Music Vid: "When I'm Alone" by Lissie

With the semi-revival of my site, I was aware that a current NFMV post was in order.  Thanks to VH1's "Mob Wives," people, myself included, have been introduced to some very cool tunes.  One artist in particular, Lissie, has had a 2010 release by the name of "Catching a Tiger."  The reality series has featured many of the singer's tunes from this album and left me with no other choice but to download it.  My favorite song off of the album, "When I'm Alone," is upbeat and so personable.  I wasn't even aware that it was a released single, but was so happy to find out that there was an official video for it.  So check it out and enjoy some new refreshing tunes for the new season--enjoy!

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Free Music From Fitz and the Tantrums

"Don't Gotta Work it Out" (Live)

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Simplicity Sewing

Hi everyone! I know that it's been some time since my last post. I've been keeping busy with some projects that I will share with you very soon.
However, as some of you may know, I have taken up some (light) sewing. As I've grown into the hobby, I've come to love vintage patterns. Classics never go out of style and I feel that these four Simplicity patterns I scored today fall into the timeless category. One was printed in the 1950's while the other three were printed in the 60's. You have no idea how excited I am about putting these together so I can wear them. Once I've mastered the techniques I will certainly create more to share with you all. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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